Method of and apparatus for gaming

ABSTRACT

An otherwise conventional craps table comprises a segment with an alternative betting option to the traditional “Big 6” and “Big 8” wagers. One embodiment provides a low portion which allows a player to wager that a two, three, four, or five will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game and a high portion which allows a player to wager that a nine, ten, eleven, or twelve will thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game. Another embodiment provides an odd portion which allows a player to wager that a five, seven, nine, or eleven will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game and an even portion which allows a player to wager that a two, four, six, eight, ten, or twelve will thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game. An additional embodiment provides an alternative which allows a player to wager that a hard four, hard six, hard eight, or hard ten will be thrown before a seven is thrown during play of a craps game whereby the player does not lose the wager if a four, six, eight, or ten is thrown in a form other than doubles.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 10/860,398 filed Jun. 3, 2004, currently pending, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/403,275 filed Apr. 1, 2003, currently pending.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to games of chance and more particularly to improvements in the gaming activity known as craps.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As is well known to those skilled in the art, the gaming activity known as craps is a table game, that is, craps is played on a gaming table as opposed to a gaming machine. Gaming machines which emulate the craps table game are also known, and the present invention is equally applicable thereto.

Craps differs from other table games in that the bets or wagers which are available to the player are clearly delineated on the craps table. Stated conversely, the only bets that can be made in the game of craps are identified with and stated on segregated areas of the craps table. In order to make a bet, a craps player places a selected number of chips on the segment of the craps table corresponding to the selected bet, whereupon the bet is made.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a conventional craps table 10. As stated above, all of the bets or wagers that are possible in the game of craps are clearly stated on the craps table 10 and are associated with a particular designated segment thereof. Thus, if a player wishes to place a “COME” bet, the player places one or more chips in one of the segments 12 of the craps table 10 at the designated time during play of the craps game.

Having particular reference to the segments 14 of the craps table 10, two of the bets which are disfavored by craps players are known as “Big 6” and “Big 8”. The “Big 6” and “Big 8” bets are generally referred to in the industry as “sucker bets” because the odds of winning these bets favor the house to a much greater extent as compared to other bets or wagers which are available on the craps table 10. Also, the payout resulting from a winning “BIG 6” or “BIG 8” is considered inadequate by most craps players.

Although a wager favoring the house might at first seem advantageous to the operator of the craps, table 10, in the long run this is not the case. Thus, although a novice might occasionally make a “Big 6” or “Big 8” wager, the player will not do so again upon learning that the odds pertaining to such a bet so strongly favor the house. Therefore, because the areas of the craps table 10 associated with the “Big 6” and “Big 8” wagers go virtually unused, the areas 14 of the crap table 10 represent wasted space which does not earn revenue for the operator of the craps table 10.

The present invention comprises an improvement in the game of craps which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties which have long since characterized the prior art. In accordance with the invention, one or more segments of the craps table heretofore associated with the bets known as “Big 6” and “Big 8” are replaced with different betting or waging opportunities which are much more favorable to the player. Alternatively, some craps tables may already have the “Big 6” and “Big 8” betting options removed, in which case the present invention comprises additional betting opportunities than those already presented on the craps table. The assignment of the portion of the craps table to betting opportunities more favorable to the player is ultimately advantageous to the operator of the craps table in that craps tables incorporating the present invention will attract additional players as compared with conventional craps tables not incorporating the present invention. Thus, because all bets or wagers available in the game of craps ultimately favor the house to a greater or lesser degree, operators of craps tables incorporating the present invention will ultimately realize increased revenues as opposed to operators of conventional craps tables.

Having particular reference to the segment 16 of the craps table 10, another bet with odds favoring the house, but popular among craps players is betting the “Hardways.” The “Hardways” wagers that the Shooter must roll either a double two, double three, double four, or double five, resulting in a hard four, six, eight, or ten respectively, before a seven is rolled. If the shooter rolls the selected “hard” number in doubles, the payoff is high for the player, specifically a ten-to-one payout. However, if the selected number is rolled in a combination other than doubles, the player loses the bet.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a different wagering opportunity for a player to wager that a “hard” number will be thrown, but where the bet is not lost if the selected number is thrown in a combination other than doubles. This provides a better betting alternative to the player, because the only throw that defeats the bet is a seven, and may be referred to as a “Softways” bet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art craps table;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of novel craps wagering opportunities comprising the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another novel craps wagering opportunities comprising the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a variation of the novel craps wagering opportunity shown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIG. 2, there is shown a craps table segment 20 incorporating the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the craps table segment 20 is intended as a replacement for the segments 14 of the craps table 10 shown in FIG. 1 whereby the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention replace the Big 6 and Big 8 wagers of a conventional craps table. Alternatively, some craps tables may already have the “Big 6” and “Big 8” betting options removed, in which case the present invention comprises additional betting opportunities than those already presented on the craps table.

The segment 20 includes an odd portion 22 and an even portion 24. By placing one or more chips on the odd portion 22, the player wagers that five, seven, nine, or eleven will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an odd number is thrown, the player receives a payout equal to one time the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an even number is thrown, the player loses the original bet. If a three is thrown, the player does not receive a payout nor does the player lose the original bet. The bet remains for the next throw of the dice, unless the player opts to take down the bet.

By placing one or more chips on the even portion 24, the player wagers that a four, six, eight, or ten will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an even number is thrown, the player receives a payout equal to one time the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an odd number is thrown, the player loses the original bet. If a two or twelve is thrown, the player does not receive a payout nor does the player lose the original bet. The bet remains for the next throw of the dice, unless the player opts to take down the bet. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art, the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.

FIG. 3 shows a craps table 30 incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2. The craps table 30 is identical to the craps table 10 of FIG. 1 except that the craps table segment 20 shown in FIG. 2 replaces both of the craps table segments 14 shown in FIG. 1. The use of the craps table 30 of FIG. 3 is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table 10 of FIG. 1. With respect to the craps player, the use of the segment 20 and the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention provides better odds and more payout opportunities. With respect to the craps table operator, the use of the segment 20 and the wagering opportunities of the present invention attracts more players to the craps table which ultimately results in a larger return to the table operator.

FIG. 4 shows a craps table segment 40 intended as a replacement for the segments 14 of the craps table 10 shown in FIG. 1. The segment 40 includes a low portion 44 and a high portion 46. By placing one or more chips on the low portion 44 the player wagers that a two, a three, a four, or a five will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a two is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a three, a four, or a five is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet.

If a player places one or more chips on the high portion 46 of the segment 40, the player wagers that a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to five times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If a nine, a ten, or an eleven is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to two times the original wager while retaining the original wager. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art, the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.

FIG. 5 shows a craps table 50 incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4. The craps table 50 is identical to the craps table 10 of FIG. 1 except that the craps table segment 40 shown in FIG. 4 replaces both of the craps table segments 14 shown in FIG. 1. The use of the craps table 50 of FIG. 5 is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table 10 of FIG. 1. The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table 30 shown in FIG. 3 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.

FIG. 6 shows a craps table segment 60 similar to the craps table segment 40 illustrated in FIG. 4. Many of the portions of the craps table segment 60 are substantially identical in construction and function to the segments of the craps table segment 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such identical component parts are designated in FIG. 6 with the same reference numerals utilized above in the description of the craps table segment 60, but are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime (′) designation.

The craps table segment 60 differs from the craps table segment 40 of FIG. 4 in that the craps table segment 60 offers two additional betting options. Below the low portion 44′ is an alternate low portion 64 allowing the player to wager that a two, three, four, five, or six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice. If a two is thrown, the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a three, four, five, or six is thrown on the next roll of the dice, the player receives a payout equal to the original bet while retaining the original bet. Below the high portion 46′ is an alternate high portion 66 allowing the player to wager that an eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice. If a twelve is thrown, the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an eight, nine, ten, or eleven is thrown on the next roll of the dice, the player receives a payout equal to the original bet while retaining the original bet. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art, the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.

FIG. 7 shows a craps table 70 incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6. The craps table 70 is identical to the craps table 10 of FIG. 1 except that the craps table segment 60 shown in FIG. 6 replaces both of the craps table segments 14 shown in FIG. 1. The use of the craps table 70 of FIG. 7 is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table 10 of FIG. 1. The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table 30 shown in FIG. 3 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.

FIG. 8 shows a craps table segment 80 intended as a replacement for the segments 14 of the craps table 10 shown in FIG. 1 whereby the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention replace the Big 6 and Big 8 wagers of a conventional craps table. The segment 80 includes six “Softways” segments, wherein the player can wager that a hard number will be thrown before a seven is thrown. A “Hard” number is thrown by rolling doubles. Distinct from the “Hardways” segment 16 of the craps table 10 shown in FIG. 1, the “Softways” segment allows the player to wager that a “hard” number will be thrown, but the wager is not lost if the selected number is thrown in a combination other than doubles. Specifically, the segment 80 includes a multi-number portion 82 that allows the player to wager that a double two, double three, double four, or double five, resulting in a hard four, six, eight, or ten, will be thrown in doubles on the next roll of the dice. If doubles are thrown, the player receives a 7 to 5 payout while retaining the amount of the original bet. If a four, six, eight, or ten is thrown in a combination other than doubles, or any other number besides a seven is thrown, the player neither wins nor loses their bet. The player may keep the bet posted for the next roll of dice or opt to take the bet down. The only roll that results in the player losing the bet is if a seven is thrown.

In addition to the multi-number portion 82, the segment 80 includes a four-ten portion 84 and a six-eight portion 86. The four-ten portion 84 is similar to the multi-number portion 82 with the only difference being that the bet is narrowed to only a four or ten being thrown. Similarly, the six-eight portion 86 wagers only for a six or an eight to be thrown in doubles. For both the four-ten portion 84 and the six-eight portion 86, the player wins if the selected numbers are thrown in doubles. The payout is 14 to 5 while retaining the amount of the original bet. Finally, the segment 80 includes individual portions 88, 90, 92, and 94 for each of the hard numbers four, six, eight, and ten 94, respectively, allowing the player to wager only one number being thrown in doubles. The only roll of the dice causing a player to lose their bet on any portion of the segment 80 is a seven being thrown by the shooter. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art, the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “place” bet.

FIG. 9 shows a craps table 96 incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 8. The craps table 96 is identical to the craps table 10 of FIG. 1 except that the craps table segment 80 shown in FIG. 8 replaces both of the craps table segments 14 shown in FIG. 1. The use of the craps table 96 of FIG. 9 is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table 10 of FIG. 1. The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table 30 shown in FIG. 3 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.

FIG. 10 shows a craps table segment 100 similar to the craps table segment 80 illustrated in FIG. 8. Many of the portions of the craps table segment 100 are substantially identical in construction and function to the portions of the craps table segment 80 illustrated in FIG. 8 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such identical component parts are designated in FIG. 10 with the same reference numerals utilized above in the description of the craps table segment 80, but are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime (′) designation.

The craps table segment 100 differs from the craps table segment 80 of FIG. 8 in that the craps table segment 100 offers two additional betting options. The two bet portion 102 allows the player to wager that the number two will be rolled via double ones before a seven is thrown. The twelve portion 104 provides the player to wager that a twelve will be rolled via double sixes before a seven is thrown. Both the two segment 102 and twelve portion 104 awards a 28 to 5 payout plus the amount of the original bet if the chosen number and dice combination is thrown before the shooter throws a seven. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art, the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “place” bet.

FIG. 10 a illustrates a craps table segment 110 similar to the craps table segment 100 illustrated in FIG. 108. Many of the portions of the craps table segment 110 are substantially identical in construction and function to the portions of the craps table segment 100 illustrated in FIG. 10 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such identical component parts are designated in FIG. 10 a with the same reference numerals utilized above in the description of the craps table segment 100, but are differentiated therefrom by means of a double prime (″) designation. The craps table segment 110 differs from the craps table segment 100 of FIG. 10 in that the craps table segment 110 illustrates the numbers two in the two portion 102″ with two die showing the number one, and the twelve portion 104″ illustrates the number twelve with two die showing the number six.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: providing a craps table; and providing on the craps table an opportunity to wager that a five, seven, nine, or eleven will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game.
 2. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: providing a craps table; and providing on the craps table an opportunity to wager that a four, six, eight, or ten will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game.
 3. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: providing a craps table; and providing on the craps table an opportunity to wager that a five, four, three, or two will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game.
 4. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: providing a craps table; providing on the craps table an opportunity to wager that a nine, ten, eleven, or twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game.
 5. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: providing a craps table; providing on the craps table an opportunity to wager that a four, six, eight, or ten will be thrown by rolling doubles before a seven is thrown during the play of a craps game whereby the player does not lose their bet if a four, six, eight, or ten is rolled in a combination other than doubles.
 6. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: providing a craps table; providing on the craps table an opportunity to wager that a two, four, six, eight, ten, or twelve will be thrown by rolling doubles before a seven is thrown during the play of a craps game whereby the player does not lose their bet if a four, six, eight, or ten is rolled in a combination other than doubles. 